Removing Oil Pan From Jeep Commander: Step-By-Step Guide

Removing the oil pan from a 2007 Jeep Commander is a complex process that requires careful attention to detail. While some sources suggest that it is possible to complete this task without lifting the engine, others recommend using a specialised tool to raise the engine and provide the necessary clearance. The process involves multiple steps, including removing bolts, disconnecting components, and cleaning surfaces. It is important to consult a repair manual or seek professional assistance to ensure the procedure is carried out correctly.

Drain engine oil and remove oil filter

To drain the engine oil and remove the oil filter from your 2007 Jeep Commander, follow these steps:

Tools and Materials Needed:

• Jack and jack stands or a car ramp
• Oil drain pan
• New oil filter
• Gloves and safety goggles
• Rags
• New engine oil

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Jack Up Your Jeep Commander

Park your Jeep Commander on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Place jack stands on both sides of the vehicle, following the manufacturer's instructions. Alternatively, you can use a car ramp for this step. Ensure your vehicle is securely lifted and will not roll or shift during the oil change process.

Step 2: Locate the Oil Drain Plug and Oil Filter

Position an oil drain pan underneath the engine. The oil drain plug is typically located at the bottom of the engine, often at the lowest point. For the Jeep Commander, the oil drain plug is located on the oil pan. Refer to your owner's manual or consult a mechanic if you are unsure about the location. The oil filter is located on the left front of the engine block.

Step 3: Drain the Engine Oil

Place a suitable container under the oil drain plug to collect the drained oil. Using the correct size socket or wrench, loosen and remove the oil drain plug. Allow the oil to drain completely. Some oil may remain in the oil pan, but most of it should drain out. Be cautious as the oil may be hot.

Step 4: Remove the Old Oil Filter

Once the oil has drained sufficiently, locate the oil filter. It is usually found near the oil drain plug. Using an oil filter wrench or a strap wrench, loosen and remove the old oil filter. Have a rag ready to wipe up any residual oil that may spill.

Step 5: Clean the Area

Before installing the new oil filter, clean the mounting area. Use a clean rag to wipe away any dirt, debris, or residual oil. Ensure that the mounting surface is free of contaminants to prevent leaks and ensure a proper seal.

Step 6: Install the New Oil Filter

Take the new oil filter and apply a thin coat of new engine oil to the rubber gasket. This will help create a better seal and protect the gasket during installation. Thread the new oil filter onto the mounting base by hand. Tighten it securely, but be careful not to overtighten it, as this can damage the gasket and lead to leaks.

Step 7: Reinstall the Oil Drain Plug

Check the oil drain plug for any damage or wear. If it is in good condition, clean and reinstall it. If the drain plug is damaged or worn, replace it with a new one. Ensure the drain plug is tightened securely to prevent leaks.

Step 8: Add New Engine Oil

Lower the vehicle and open the hood. Locate the engine oil filler cap and remove it. Using a funnel, add new engine oil of the recommended type and viscosity for your Jeep Commander. Pour in the amount specified by the manufacturer, typically listed in the owner's manual.

Step 9: Check the Oil Level

Once you have added the appropriate amount of oil, replace the oil filler cap. Check the oil level using the dipstick. Ensure that the oil level is within the safe range marked on the dipstick. If the level is too low, add more oil; if it is too high, remove some oil to reach the correct level.

Step 10: Start the Engine and Check for Leaks

Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. Check the area around the oil drain plug and oil filter for any signs of leaks. Also, check the oil pressure gauge to ensure that it is within the normal range. If there are no leaks and the pressure is stable, turn off the engine.

Step 11: Lower the Vehicle and Dispose of Used Oil

Carefully lower the vehicle and remove the jack stands or ramp. Ensure that the vehicle is securely on the ground. Properly dispose of the used engine oil and oil filter at a designated recycling center or automotive store. Do not pour used oil down the drain or into the environment.

Remove bolts holding the structural dust cover

To remove the bolts holding the structural dust cover, follow these steps:

First, remove the bolts holding the structural dust cover where the engine and transmission meet. There are eight bolts in total. Once these bolts are removed, you may find that there is not enough clearance to completely remove the dust cover. In this case, simply leave it "dropped down" as far as it will go to allow access to the rear oil pan bolts.

Next, you will need to drop the front differential down. Remove the two bolts holding the differential mounting bracket to the front frame cross member, as well as the bolt holding the passenger side axle tube bushing. This will allow the differential to "sag" enough to provide the necessary clearance for the oil pan removal.

Finally, remove the three bolts connecting the passenger side axle tube to the differential. This will allow you to "twist" the axle tube and create additional clearance when removing/installing the new oil pan.

With these steps completed, you should now have access to the rear oil pan bolts and can continue with the oil pan removal process.

Drop the front differential down

To drop the front differential down, follow these steps:

• Remove the two bolts holding the differential mounting bracket to the front frame cross member.
• Remove the bolt holding the passenger side axle tube bushing. This will allow the differential to sag and provide clearance for the oil pan.
• Remove the three bolts connecting the passenger side axle tube to the differential. This allows you to twist the axle tube to provide additional clearance when removing/installing the new oil pan.
• Remove all oil pan bolts (18 total).
• Remove the bolt holding the top of the oil pump pickup tube.
• Reposition the structural dust cover and install the eight bolts.

Note: There is no way the dust cover would slide back up with the pan installed – not enough clearance between the oil pan and frame cross member. If you slide the dust cover up before raising the new pan, there is not enough room to get a torque wrench in for proper tightening. One option is to cut the dust cover in half with a cutoff wheel and bolt it back in two pieces.

Remove all oil pan bolts

To remove all the oil pan bolts, you will need to first remove the bolts holding the structural dust cover where the engine and transmission meet. There are eight bolts in total. Once you have removed these, you can move on to the next steps.

Next, you will need to drop the front differential down. To do this, remove the two bolts holding the differential mounting bracket to the front frame cross member, as well as the bolt holding the passenger side axle tube bushing. This will allow the differential to "sag" enough to provide clearance for the oil pan.

Now, remove the three bolts connecting the passenger side axle tube to the differential. This will allow you to "twist" the axle tube enough to provide additional clearance when removing/installing the new oil pan.

At this point, you can remove all the oil pan bolts. There are a total of 18 of them. Note that you should not pry between the engine block and the tray when breaking the seal between the oil pan and the windage tray. Instead, you must pry between the bottom edge of the windage tray/gasket and the oil pan since the tray is bolted to the underside of the engine. It will not come out until you unbolt the windage tray and oil pump pickup tube. You may need to use a combination of pry bars/hammer and a long (20-22") piece of thin scrap stainless to wedge between the windage tray gasket and oil pan edge.

Clean mating surface on engine block

To clean the mating surface on the engine block of your 2007 Jeep Commander, you will need brake cleaner and a rag. You should also have a plastic putty knife or scraper to hand to remove any thicker residue.

First, use brake cleaner and a rag to clean the mating surface. Then, use the plastic putty knife/scraper as needed to remove any thicker residue.

Frequently asked questions